little builder

While shopping at Lowe's this weekend, the friendly salesman in the washing machine department (no, we were not buying another washing machine, that's just where Colin tends to end up) told us we should go down to the lumber area and check out their free kids' workshop they do on the weekends.  I think he was hoping Colin would go bang on some lumber instead of his floor models. 

So off we went, and found the workshop, and it was very cool; every kid gets their own little building kit and real hammers to use (really?  yeah, they have you sign a "waiver of liability."  I laughed and was like, yeah, I'll sign that thing.. good luck).  They also give each kid their own apron (which Colin refused to wear) and their own safety goggles (which Colin refused to wear).  Anyway, Colin LOVED banging away on the plywood.

Of course, he didn't follow the pattern in any way.... we gave up on that endeavor quickly....

But he still got a certificate of achievement, and a badge for his apron (just like the scouts! haha!)

weekend fun

This weekend, Mike's mom's side had a big family gathering and cookout, and we headed up to the QCs to join in the fun.  

Colin was reunited with his best puppy friend Junior, who he took for walks along with Aunt Shelly.. not sure who was leading who here...

Fun with Dad (seriously guys, how skinny is Mike these days?  It's like osmosis.. I get bigger, he gets smaller)

Random Colin joy face

Blue steel

Colin had lots of fun with cousin Lela and the massive box of chalk.

Aw...

Colin pool joy

Helping Ron fill the pool, very serious work.

This little stinker picked up Grandma's lemonade when she wasn't looking and chugged it.

Uncle Tom helping Colin get "in" the tree.

This little daredevil coasted his truck down the driveway 10000 times saturday night.

On our way back from the QCs we stopped at a rest stop and let Colin point out all the different types of trucks that were pulling in.  We'd still be there if we hadn't dragged him away kicking and screaming.

Thanks for a fun family weekend!

the next episode

The secret is out!  Colin will be a big brother in late January, when the newest Happy Hanson joins us!

This may explain the lack of recent activity here at the blog, since I'm asleep most evenings and spend all day trying not to fall asleep or throw up.  It's been a rough haul so far, but it will all be worth it in the end!  Colin seems mildly interested in "the baby that is living in your tummy" and says he wants the baby to come live here RIGHT NOW but understands it won't get here until "later." 

Anyway, we may be crazy ... but here we go!  

pool boy

We spent last weekend at my parents' and spent a long afternoon at the good old Ginger Creek pool with Colin.  It's been too hot here to take him to the pool (that doesn't even sound right) so it was the first time he'd been to the pool since last year... apart from an ill-fated trip to the indoor waterpark in January w/ Ellie wherein he freaked and refused to go in the water.  So, I was a little worried how he would do.

Within 10 minutes he went from sitting on the side, sticking his feet in, to full out jumping into the pool!

By a couple hours in, he wanted to jump in without us catching him! 

Then he wanted to swim, so we pulled him around the pool as he chanted "SWIM! SWIM! SWIM!" 

Afterwards, he told us he was going to "relax."  Ha!

It was good to see him fearless and having fun.  Hopefully we can hit the pool here soon!

garbage man

Recently, Colin has become obsessed with his garbage truck (he tried to sleep with it last night).  In this video, you can see what a serious subject garbage is.  

happy fourth of july!

fun in the sun (& rain)

We tried to beat the heat in the backyard yesterday by breaking out the pool...

drying off after a dip

Then it started to rain, so we all adjourned to the front porch for popsicles. 



Until Colin decided that running in the rain would be just as fun as swimming

Here's a quick video of Daddy dipping Colin (before he decided to climb all the way in)